Las Vegas has welcomed back one of its most anticipated dining destinations, and the celebration was nothing short of spectacular. BOA Steakhouse officially opened its doors at Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort on November 8, 2025, marking a triumphant return to the Strip after more than a decade away. The grand opening celebration brought together celebrities, culinary enthusiasts, and industry leaders for an unforgettable evening that perfectly captured the refined luxury and vibrant energy BOA is known for.
The evening kicked off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Vegas Chamber, where BOA’s leadership team gathered to commemorate this milestone moment. Owners Lee Maen and Philip Cummins were joined by an impressive roster of executives including Chief of Operations Sam Hallak, Director of Operations David Ficklen, Executive General Manager Johnny Seo, General Manager of BOA Sunset Andrew Ha, Vice President of Marketing Jill Peterson Dukes, Corporate Executive Chef Brendan Collins, and Local Executive Chef Alex Lopez.
A Night of Celebrity Glamour and Culinary Excellence
The guest list read like a who’s who of entertainment, with celebrities from across television, social media, and entertainment making their mark on the forest green carpet that perfectly complemented the venue’s rich, earthy design aesthetic. The star power was undeniable, featuring fan favorites from reality TV’s biggest hits.
JaNa Craig, Zac “Taylor” Woodworth, and Josh “Goldy” Goldstein from “Love Island USA” brought their infectious energy to the celebration. Nicole Young from “Selling Sunset” made a stunning appearance, while Tatiana “Tati” McQuay from “Gordita Chronicles” added to the entertainment industry representation. French actor Gilles Marini, known for his role in “Sex and the City,” charmed guests throughout the evening, calling it “one of the best parties ever” and praising both the exceptional food and vibrant atmosphere.
The guest list also included rising stars Madi Monroe from “Zombie Town,” viral content creator and model Mia “Dio” Angelina Donadio Cancio, and Las Vegas icon Holly Madison, whose presence added local celebrity appeal to the international mix.
Culinary Artistry Takes Center Stage
What truly set this grand opening apart was BOA’s commitment to showcasing their culinary excellence from the very first night. Guests were treated to an impressive array of signature BOA offerings that demonstrated why the restaurant has maintained its reputation as a dining destination for over two decades.
The evening’s culinary journey included BOA’s legendary tuna tartare, rich bone marrow preparations, delicate hamachi crudo, and perfectly sliced New York strip served on crostini. The restaurant’s three private dining rooms were transformed into curated food stations, featuring show-stopping presentations like wagyu cigars and an elaborate caviar display artfully arranged atop ice sculptures that became both culinary centerpieces and photo opportunities.
Adding to the international flair, sister restaurant Sushi Roku contributed an impressive sushi selection, while a Vegas-themed dessert station provided the perfect sweet ending to the evening’s indulgences. The attention to detail extended to every aspect of the dining experience, from the precision of the culinary preparations to the theatrical presentations that BOA has perfected over the years.
Atmosphere and Entertainment
The celebration’s energy was carefully orchestrated through multiple entertainment elements that kept guests engaged throughout the evening. DJ Sara Simms provided the soundtrack for the night, mixing tracks that perfectly complemented the sophisticated yet energetic atmosphere BOA is known for creating.
Adding an artistic dimension to the evening, violinist Adrianna Thurber Shaw, recognized for her touring performances with Rod Stewart, delivered dynamic sets that brought live musical artistry to complement the culinary artistry being showcased throughout the venue. The combination of DJ sets and live violin created a unique auditory experience that elevated the entire celebration.
Guests mingled among carefully designed neon-lit photo moments and an interactive photo booth, ensuring that the evening’s memories would be captured in style. These Instagram-worthy installations perfectly captured the modern luxury aesthetic that BOA brings to every location.
Signature Cocktails and Beverage Innovation
BOA’s beverage program received equal attention during the grand opening, with signature cocktails flowing throughout the evening. Two standout creations particularly captured guests’ attention and exemplified the restaurant’s commitment to innovative beverage experiences.
“The Elit,” crafted with premium Stoli Elit vodka and elevated with caviar-stuffed olives, offered guests a luxurious drinking experience that perfectly matched the restaurant’s upscale positioning. Meanwhile, the “Smoke Show” provided an interactive element that guests couldn’t resist – this smoked Old Fashioned allowed patrons to customize their preferred level of smokiness, adding a personalized touch to their cocktail experience.
Celebrity Reactions and Industry Impact
The genuine enthusiasm from celebrity guests provided authentic testimonials for BOA’s return to Las Vegas. Nicole Young, despite following a vegan lifestyle, expressed pleasant surprise at the restaurant’s extensive plant-based options, noting her appreciation for being able to enjoy a complete vegan dining experience at a traditional steakhouse.
Josh “Goldy” Goldstein, a fitness coach and proclaimed steak enthusiast, was visibly impressed by BOA’s steak selection and expressed excitement about returning to explore more of the menu offerings. His professional appreciation for quality protein sources added credibility to BOA’s reputation for premium ingredients.
JaNa Craig’s reaction particularly resonated with Los Angeles transplants and frequent visitors, as she shared that she used to crave BOA while living in Los Angeles. Her excitement about finally having a Las Vegas location spoke to the pent-up demand for BOA’s return to the city, and her commitment to return often with friends and family suggested strong potential for repeat business from both locals and regular Vegas visitors.
Strategic Location and Design Excellence
BOA’s choice to locate at Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort represents a strategic positioning that capitalizes on both tourist traffic and local dining culture. The restaurant’s sophisticated design creates an environment that feels both elevated and energetic – exactly what Las Vegas diners expect from a premium dining destination.
The venue’s aesthetic perfectly balances refined luxury with the unmistakable excitement that Las Vegas demands. From the rich, earthy tones reflected in the forest green carpet to the carefully curated interior spaces, every design element reinforces BOA’s position as a destination where incredible food, striking design, and Vegas energy converge seamlessly.
Looking Forward: Industry Implications
Lee Maen, founder and co-CEO of Innovative Dining Group, emphasized that Las Vegas has always been a natural fit for BOA, noting that the opening represents not just a new location, but a new chapter for the brand. This strategic expansion into one of America’s most competitive dining markets signals confidence in both the BOA concept and the continued strength of the Las Vegas hospitality industry.
Food & Beverage Magazine Founder Michael Politz stated at the opening, “For food and beverage industry professionals, BOA’s successful return to Las Vegas demonstrates several important trends: the continued appeal of experiential dining, social media-worthy moments in restaurant marketing, and the value of maintaining brand consistency while adapting to local market demands.” All of which Boa excels at.
The grand opening’s success also highlights the effectiveness of integrated marketing approaches that combine traditional restaurant operations with entertainment elements, social media activation, and celebrity engagement – a model that other operators in competitive markets might consider adopting.
BOA Steakhouse is now open for dinner nightly at 5 p.m. at Grand Canal Shoppes, featuring their signature dry-aged steaks, A5 wagyu, and innovative tableside presentations that are redefining the modern steakhouse experience in Las Vegas. Follow @BOAVegas on Instagram and Facebook, or visit boasteak.com for reservations and updates.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
